My 1985 came with this badge on the grill. Was really dirty and corroded. Pulled it off and started cleaning and polishing. Figured out its two pieces, the chrome gear is separate from the brass circle. The brass obviously had red and black, probably enamel paint in the inlays, 40% of which is gone. The brass cleans up and polishes pretty easy.

I like these old pieces, and am considering polishing it up more, repainting the red with model enamel, and then clear coating it.

But before I do that, want to make sure I am not dealing with anything that should not be restored for whatever reason. I am pretty sure that even though this is old, and new ones are not real hand painted brass, these are probably pretty common and not commanding a real high value.

Opinions?

 

hi,
you can get those on eBay, they are being sold since the late 1990's. I had one too. Just another unnecessary accessory.

 

Isn't that redundant, Jose?
I thought that was the definition of Accessory; an unnecessary addon of limited value except aesthetic.
(';')

 

my point exactly LnrB,

 

The repro's on ebay will be cheap imitations most likely made you-know-where. Your old/original badge may not be of any real monetary value whatever its condition, but it's all about what you enjoy. If you admire period badges etc. I'd opt to preserve its patina and not over restore it, maybe just clean off the brass tarnish. If it were mine I wouldn't even touch-up the missing enamel.

I'm guessing your badge will be from a much earlier period than the 80's.

Cheers,

 

Thanks Tony - I think I agree, just polish it up and give it a coat of wax. I like it!

 

Yeah, probably not of the value as a Cloisone (SP) as on the old classics.
but, definitely interesting. Light polish on it and not touched up. keeping most of the Patina. Symbolic of a past Euro tradition of badging, clubs, events and the like.
At one time, similar devices were available for affixing to license frames. AAAA, oil companies. The red Pegasus, the yellow shell, the Sinclair Dino....
Not particularly my taste, but appreciated.


Accessories is a large word. Cars came sans a lot of things. Early Ford T's with n electric starter. My only new car, a 53 MG TD. No radio or heater....


And, bumpers, spare tires, second windshield washer and second tail lamp....


The one that always got me in the 50's were the awful clear plastic seat covers.
Covering nice comfortable Mohair seats to protect them. Cold in winter and hot in summer to the behind.


Then 80's Jaguar's.... wheel arches, side strips, and yes, leapers.


Dealer decals and badges, ugh...




Carl.

 

back in 1970, I took an oval grille badge with the State initials and gave it to a friend artist who painted it in psychodelic colors with Testor's Model Car Paints, with marihuana plants and palm trees complete with an island shore and waves in the setting sun.

When I saw the finished product, I decided I wasn't going to attach it to the grille. In those days the concept of "clear coating" wasn't available, it was all lacquer which turned amber-yellow.